Single Idea 8427

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 5. Direction of causation]

Full Idea

One might stipulate that a cause must always precede its effect, but I reject this solution. It won't solve the problem of epiphenomena, it rejects a priori any backwards causation, and it trivializes defining time-direction through causation.

Gist of Idea

I reject making the direction of causation axiomatic, since that takes too much for granted

Source

David Lewis (Causation [1973], p.203)

Book Reference

'Causation', ed/tr. Sosa,E. /Tooley,M. [OUP 1993], p.203


A Reaction

[compressed] Not strong arguments, I would say. Maybe apparent causes are never epiphenomenal. Maybe backwards causation is impossible. Maybe we must use time to define causal direction, and not vice versa.